Foundation Flashcards
Below-grade block
block below the finished grade
Sub-grade block
block located below the normal footer level
what are foundation anchor ties and what is their purpose?
Metal straps that are secured to the top of the foundation wall used to wrap and nail to the bottom plate of framing.
What intervals should anchor ties be located on the top of the foundation?
3’ 6” O.C. and 1’ corners, panel breaks, and openings.
will non-parged block allow water penetration?
Yes
How many standard size brick does it take to cover one square foot?
6.75
How many standard size brick does it take to cover a block?
6
what is the typical width of a mortar joint?
3/8”
what are brick wall ties and at what intervals are they placed?
connect brick to structure and 2’ both directions
what is meant by striking the joint?
smooth indentation of a mortar joint and remove any excess for parging
On blocks that are going to be parged and tarred, should the joints be struck?
yes
what is it meant by parging a block foundation?
applying a think coat of concrete mix to exterior surface at foundation.
Should you parge and tar sub grade block?
no
Should you parge and tar below grade block?
Yes
what is the acceptable tolerance for a foundation out of level and out of square?
Level: 1/4” Square: 1/2”
who is responsible for foundation out of level or out of square?
Concrete subcontractor
what is a brick lintel, and what is its purpose?
iron beam placed over open ins (windows, doors, garage)
what is a head joint?
Vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units
what is a bed joint?
Horizontal mortar joint at the bottom of masonry units
when do you brace a masonry foundation?
before backfill
what is a slump test? explain
measure the consistency of concrete and determines how much water was used to make the batch.
Process:
SEE Powerpoint
what is a whale?
horizontal bracing for footers
what is a beam pocket, and how is the size determined?
notch in a foundation wall to accept a horizontal structural beam. size is determined by blueprints.
what is “stoop bracket” or “haunch”?
arm of the foundation that is provided to support the weight of a slab.
kneewall foundation
foundation combination of masonry or concrete along with a framed wall, which creature a minimum 96” high wall.
Full 8’ or 9’ masonry foundation
concrete foundation walls on all sides that are min 90” high
Slab construction
masonry or concrete combined with compacted fill and a concrete slab, cast in place to the proper dimensions of house.
crawl space foundation
Masonry or concrete at a height of 32” to 40” above designed footer, with the area inside that is unconditioned.
what are offset points and who installs them?
points that mark the foundation and accounts for 4’ overdig. engineer installed them.
How often should a fireplace block foundation be tied into the main wall?
every other course
how do you check a foundation to ensure its square?
take diagonals
what are weep holes?
notches that allow water to flow from finger space
How do you determine the height to waterproof?
plot plans assigned final grade TOPO
Describe a poured foundation wall tie, and its purpose?
Metal strap used to hold wall panels the proper distance apart.
On poured foundations, how long must the concrete set before the forms can be stripped?
Summer: 24hrs Winter: 48hrs
How are the poured foundation wall ties sealed to prevent water penetration?
heavy mastic
how does the poured wall subcontractor ensure that the walls are straight and level?
string line is used for checking straightness. Builders level is used for checking level walls.
Describe how poured foundation walls are protected from freezing in your area?
Leave forms up
what is it meant by the term “cold joint” and how should it be treated?
joint created when settled concrete gets freshly parged
what is it meant by the term “honeycombing” and how should each be treated?
when aggregate rock is bowing on side of foundation wall. it is treated my parging.
how many points of access are needed for concrete delivery on poured foundations?
3
what methods of concrete delivery are used if access is not possible?
pump truck
what is meant by the term “blow-out” when referring to poured wall foundations?
when forms fail
